Reduced Hours During SSW Break

Neilson closes at 5 p.m. this week. Regular hours resume on Saturday, July 12. See Hours

Geothermal Work Outside Neilson Library through Mid-July

While the main entrance is inaccessible, the south entrance (facing Alumnae Gym) and Burton lawn entrance are unlocked during open hours.

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Students in the media production studio

Media Production Spaces

The Smith College Libraries provide a number of media production spaces, software and equipment. In Neilson Library you’ll find the Digital Media Hub, which is a dynamic, innovative, and interdisciplinary digital scholarship program. It provides exploration and access to a range of video, audio, spatial analysis and emerging technology resources to all users with varying levels of experience and needs, from formal learning projects to informal play.

Production Spaces

Media production spaces are available for use by Smith students, faculty and staff. Need help finding a space? Please consult this Map of Neilson Library or Map of Alumnae Gymnasium.

screenshot of audio recording equipment in the Digital Media Hub

Location: Neilson Library Digital Media Hub - Level G   
Hours: Neilson Library Open Hours   
Access: Reserve Neilson 012A or request access or reserve in person at the Central Service Point.

Neilson 012A Self-Service Studio is designed for self-directed audio and video recording, with the intent of enabling anyone - no matter their experience level - to create quality audio and video recordings. 012A is the ideal place to record voiceover for a podcast or video, or create a basic video recording.

Step-by-Step instructions are provided for audio recording with a variety of software.

At this time, for video recordings patrons will need to provide their own camera. Cameras can be reserved or checked out at the Central Service Point, as well as accessories to utilize phone cameras.

Equipment:

  • iMac with Media Production software
  • Rode NT1A Condenser Mics (2)
  • Scarlett 6i6 Audio Interface
  • Sony Headphones (2)
  • PTZ Camera
  • Green Screen and Black curtains
  • Pre-set studio lighting

Production studio in the Digital Media Hub

Podcasting station in the Digital Media Hub

Location: Neilson Library Digital Media Hub - Level G     
Hours: Neilson Library Open Hours     
Access: Users must be part of an approved course, or have received approval following a consultation with libraries staff. Requests for a consultation can be made by visiting Request Help and selecting the Course Support form.

Reservations for approved users can be made in person at the Central Service Point or by visiting Request Help and submitting a ticket.

Neilson 012B is an advanced production studio designed for higher end video productions and podcast recordings for larger groups of up to four. Video equipment includes 4K cameras, customizable lighting grid, green screen, and high end microphones. Patrons may utilize the space for projects with assistance from professional Media staff, or may request to be trained for independent use. For independent video use we recommend patrons have a basic understanding of the exposure triangle and previous experience with common video camera functions. Patrons may also bring in their own cameras and receive an abridged training.

Step-by-Step instructions are provided for using the podcasting station. Podcast users will need to provide their own laptop. Patrons are welcome to record using software of their choice, however we recommend the free open-source program Audacity which can be downloaded at audacityteam.org

Video Equipment:

  • Black Magic Studio 4K cameras (2)
  • Sachtler CIII Pedestal Tripods (2)
  • ColorSource Lighting Controller and lighting grid
  • Green Screen and Black curtain backdrops
  • Sennheiser Shotgun Mics
  • iPad teleprompter mounts

Podcast Equipment:

  • RODECaster Pro Audio Interface
  • Rode Podmics (4)
  • Sony studio headphones (4)

Open computing in the Digital Media Hub

Location: Neilson Library Digital Media Hub - Level G  
Hours: Neilson Library Open Hours  
Access: Available to all Neilson Library Patrons

The Digital Media Hub on Level G of Neilson Library features open computing available to all patrons of the library. This space features 8 iMacs and 8 Windows PCs equipped with the full Adobe Creative Cloud suite of software.

Knowledgelab in Alumnae Gymnasium

Location: Alumnae Gymnasium 207 - Floor 2 (Main Entrance)  
Hours: Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week  
Access: Available to all members of Smith community with valid OneCard

The Knowledge Lab is a 24/7 computer lab featuring 27 iMac stations, all with the full Adobe Creative Cloud suite of tools, in addition to other media production software. This space is available for all members of the Smith community to access with a valid One Card. In addition, the space offers modular seating and tables, to accommodate various group work.

On occasion, course workshops are held in the Knowledge Lab and signage will be posted on the main door ahead of these workshops. The Knowledge Lab is not a scheduled classroom space, but may be made available for a limited number of workshops for courses. To check availability or request the use of the Knowledge Lab for a course workshop please visit Request Help and select the Course Support form.

Equipment Loans

Smith students, faculty, and staff can check out media production equipment at the Central Service Point in the Neilson Library ground floor Central Hall. A OneCard is needed for checkout. Items available for borrowing include cameras, recorders, microphones, production accessories.

See a comprehensive list of Media Production Equipment available for loan or consult Equipment Loans for more information.

Contact Digital Media Hub

Neilson Library
Ground floor

Smith ITS Technology & Support Resources

FAQs

For more information on where to find streaming videos and other digital media online, visit our media research guide.